Several palm plants have social and economic roles worldwide by providing drinks from their sap. In Côte d'Ivoire, management of the coconut sap is not yet practiced. In this study, parameters related to production of sap have been assessed from four coconut cultivars namely PB 113 + and PB 121 + hybrids and WAT and MYD varieties. From all the unopened inflorescences (spathes) studied into the coconut crown, whose ranks varied from 7 to 9, that of rank 8 yielded the highest volume of sap. From this spathe, the PB113 + hybrid provided the best yield of sap (61.81 ± 20.41 l). Most important proportion of that sap volume was recorded at the morning harvesting. The sap production duration of a spathe varied from 24 ± 1.87 days (MYD) to 46.78 ± 1.86 days (PB 113 + ). That duration depended on the length of spathes and regular sap flow allowed by them. Furthermore, the PB 113 + had the highest number of fruits (NBF = 174.33 ± 78.45 fruits). The results showed that volume of sap available is closely related to the length of production (r = 0.78) and the cultivar's nut yield (r = 0.82). The use of PB 113 + hybrid which provided highest quantity of sap is recommended for promoting the production of coconut sap in Côte d'Ivoire in order to improve the benefits derived from this plant.

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Aims: This study aims to determine merchantability of maize produced and stocked as grains, epis and spathes of maize in five departments of Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: A total of 375 samples were collected at rate of 75 samples by department (Botro, Korhogo, Katiola, Agniblékro and Bondoukou). Then, the received samples were sent to the laboratory in order to analyse their merchantability. Place and Duration of Study: The collection of samples was carried out on grains, epis and spathes maize from February 2013 to January 2014. Then, the analyzes were carried out at the Biochemistry and Food Sciences Laboratory of the Félix Houphouët-boigny University. Methodology: The humidity was determined by drying until constant weight when the losses and damages of grains have been quantified by counting and weighing. Results: The results show that for maize grains, humidity levels vary from 8.59±0.11% to 14.18±0.52%. Concerning epis of maize, humidity levels are between 9.85±0.23% to 13.02±0.32%. For maize spathes, humidity levels fluctuate between 11.16±0.29% to 14.17±0.32%. The damages varies from 5.01±2.64% to 19.35±2.00% for maize grains, 9.05±5.27% to 21.29±7.17% for epis and 17.95±1.13% for spathes. As regards weigh losses, proportions of grains, epis and spathes are between 1.53±1.17% and 5.10±0.97%, 2.43±1.70% and 6.54±1.79% and 2.76±1.18% and 5.11±2.65%, respectively. Conclusion: A significant variability from one department to another can be noticed at level of maize quality regardless the type of maize. The merchantability of maize seems to be tied to post-harvest treatments (drying), type of storage (epis, grains and spathes) and structure of storage.

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This study aims to investigate the evolution, throughout the harvest season, of merchantability criteria and Ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in cocoa beans produced in Cote d'Ivoire. To this end, 567 samples of cocoa beans, collected in 6 production areas during the 2007-2008 season, were analyzed. Merchantability and OTA levels were determined respectively according to the Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa stock exchange standards and the European Community regulation related to the analytical methods for the control of mycotoxins levels in foodstuffs (EC 401/2006). Concerning merchantability, a significant difference at 5% risk was revealed between the values of moisture, graining and grades. As regards OTA levels, the concentrations obtained ranged from 0.41 µg/kg to 1.36 µg/kg of cocoa beans with an average concentration of 0.69 µg/kg. These concentrations are all below the maximum value set at 2 µg/kg by the European Commission. Moldy and/or slaty beans are chiefly answerable for the depreciation of cocoa beans marketability. These results served to devise a map summarizing the quality of Ivorian cocoa beans. Needless to say, this map is just a representation of a situation at a given time, and should therefore contribute to take up decisions relevant to the application of good production and postharvest processing practices in the country’s quest for cocoa beans of prime quality.

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Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in some selected kolanuts in Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: Kolanuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions, in particular western, southwestern and eastern of Côte d’Ivoire. Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2018. Methodology: A total of 225 samples were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Results: Data showed that all 17 pesticides analyzed were detected in kolanuts samples. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in OCPs sub-group used by farmers and traders in all producing region. The mean levels of HCHs, DDTs and cyclodienes were ranged from 0.07± 0.01– 0.91± 0.05 mg/kg, 0.15±0.01 – 0.61±0.12 mg/kg and 0.12±0.03 - 0.84±0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Otherwise, farmer’s levels of OCPs were lower than those detected in kolanuts from collectors and urban stores samples. Thus, compared to the MRL set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, the farmer’s samples are lower than limits fixed, unlike the contents registered with collectors and urban stores. Conclusion: There is the need to keep monitoring ecotoxicological chemical substances in kolanuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and take steps that ensure health safety of end users. Care should be taken since residues could pose chronic health risk for adults and children.